The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responded to requests from governors of Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois by granting an emergency fuel waiver. The waiver comes in the wake of a refinery outage in Illinois caused by tornadoes that swept through the area in July, leading to rising gas prices in the affected states.

The ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois, which typically produces around 251,800 barrels per day, was forced to shut down due to the damage caused by the tornadoes. As a result, the states reliant on this refinery have experienced a strain on fuel supply, leading to increased prices at the pump.

Working in collaboration with the Department of Energy, the EPA has decided to waive federal fuel regulations specifically for gasoline/RVP levels. This move aims to alleviate the supply disruptions caused by the refinery outage and ensure that an adequate fuel supply is available for consumers in the affected states.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, explained that the emergency fuel waiver will help bring additional gas to the market and slow down future price increases. De Haan also shared his observations on Twitter, highlighting signs of supply distress in racks across Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio.

Michigan, in particular, has been grappling with rising gas prices due to the refinery shutdown, reaching a new yearly high last week. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the importance of ensuring an adequate and stable fuel supply for the state's residents, businesses, and transportation needs.

"With hurricane season in full swing and a refinery outage in Illinois, we must ensure we're taking all the steps necessary to proactively protect Michiganders' access to fuel for their cars, homes, and businesses without delay," stated Governor Whitmer.

The emergency fuel waiver granted by the EPA will temporarily remove barriers and regulations for gasoline/RVP levels, allowing for a smoother flow of fuel supply into the market. This decision aims to mitigate the impact of the refinery outage on gas prices and ensure that Michiganders and residents of other Great Lakes states have access to affordable fuel during this time.

The EPA's collaboration with the Department of Energy and the timely response to the governors' requests underscores the importance of addressing fuel supply disruptions caused by refinery outages. As efforts continue to restore operations at the Joliet refinery in Illinois, the emergency fuel waiver provides temporary relief for the affected states.

In the face of ongoing challenges posed by weather-related incidents and other unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a stable fuel supply remains a crucial priority. The EPA's emergency fuel waiver serves as a proactive measure to protect consumers and businesses in the Great Lakes region while maintaining the availability and affordability of fuel.